Jason Weaver
Encyclopedia
Jason Michael Weaver also known by his stage name
J-Weav, is an American
actor
and singer
. He is perhaps best known for his television roles as a pre-teenage Michael Jackson
in the Emmy Award
-winning 1992 miniseries
The Jacksons: An American Dream
, and as the older brother Marcus Henderson on the WB
sitcom
Smart Guy.
in Lansing, Illinois
and Thornwood High School
in South Holland, Illinois
. One of Weaver's earliest acting roles was on Oprah Winfrey
's 1990 television series Brewster Place
. Among Weaver's most notable acting roles have been his portrayal of The Jackson 5
-era Michael Jackson
in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream
, and his roles on the television
sitcoms Thea
(1993–1994) and Smart Guy
(1997–1999).
In 2002, he appeared in Drumline
with Nick Cannon
, followed by a role in the The Ladykillers
in 2004. In 2006, Weaver was featured in a supporting role in the film ATL
starring rappers T.I.
and Big Boi
from OutKast
. He also appears as an extra in the music video "Rock Yo Hips" by Crime Mob
featuring Lil Scrappy
and "Make Up Bag" by The-Dream
featuring T.I.
in the 1994 film The Lion King
. The following year, he released his debut album, Love Ambition
, on Motown Records
which was released on June 27, 1995.
In 2003, he collaborated with rapper Chingy
on the track "One Call Away
". The single was a Top 5 hit single in the United States
.
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
J-Weav, is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
and singer
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
. He is perhaps best known for his television roles as a pre-teenage Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
in the Emmy Award
Emmy Award
An Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
-winning 1992 miniseries
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
The Jacksons: An American Dream
The Jacksons: An American Dream
The Jacksons: An American Dream is a five-hour American miniseries broadcast in two halves on ABC and originally broadcast on November 15 through November 18, 1992...
, and as the older brother Marcus Henderson on the WB
The WB Television Network
The WB Television Network is a former television network in the United States that was launched on January 11, 1995 as a joint venture between Warner Bros. and Tribune Broadcasting. On January 24, 2006, CBS Corporation and Warner Bros...
sitcom
Situation comedy
A situation comedy, often shortened to sitcom, is a genre of comedy that features characters sharing the same common environment, such as a home or workplace, accompanied with jokes as part of the dialogue...
Smart Guy.
Early life and career
Weaver attended Illiana Christian High SchoolIlliana Christian High School
Illiana Christian High School is a private, coeducational school in Lansing, Illinois, USA. It was founded in 1945 as a school for the children of Dutch Reformed immigrants in the area.-Educational Philosophy:...
in Lansing, Illinois
Lansing, Illinois
Lansing is a village in Cook County, Illinois, USA. Lansing is a southern suburb of Chicago. The population was 28,332 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
and Thornwood High School
Thornwood High School
Thornwood High School is a public high school located in South Holland, Illinois. It was built as part of Thornton Township High Schools District 205.-History:...
in South Holland, Illinois
South Holland, Illinois
South Holland is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States and serves as the seat of Thornton Township. The population was 22,147 at the 2000 census.-History:...
. One of Weaver's earliest acting roles was on Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist. Winfrey is best known for her self-titled, multi-award-winning talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011...
's 1990 television series Brewster Place
Brewster Place
Brewster Place is a short lived American drama series which aired on ABC in May 1990. The series was a spinoff of the 1989 miniseries The Women of Brewster Place, which was based upon Gloria Naylor's novel of the same name...
. Among Weaver's most notable acting roles have been his portrayal of The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 , later known as The Jacksons, were an American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana...
-era Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream
The Jacksons: An American Dream
The Jacksons: An American Dream is a five-hour American miniseries broadcast in two halves on ABC and originally broadcast on November 15 through November 18, 1992...
, and his roles on the television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
sitcoms Thea
Thea (TV series)
Thea is an American sitcom that premiered September 3, 1993 on ABC, and last aired on February 14, 1994, for a total of 19 episodes. Starring comedienne Thea Vidale, the series marked the first time an African American female comedienne was the star of a series named after her.-Synopsis:Thea Vidale...
(1993–1994) and Smart Guy
Smart Guy
Smart Guy is an American sitcom created by Danny Kallis. The series ran on The WB for three seasons from April 2, 1997 to May 16, 1999.-Premise:The show centers on the misadventures of boy genius T.J...
(1997–1999).
In 2002, he appeared in Drumline
Drumline (film)
Drumline is a 2002 American film directed by Charles Stone III. The screenplay, which was inspired by The Southwest Dekalb High School Drumline , was written by Tina Gordon Chism and Shawn Schepps...
with Nick Cannon
Nick Cannon
Nicholas Scott "Nick" Cannon is an American actor, comedian, rapper, entrepreneur, record producer, radio, and television personality. On television, Cannon began as a teenage sketch comedian on All That before going on to host The Nick Cannon Show, Wild 'N Out, and America's Got Talent...
, followed by a role in the The Ladykillers
The Ladykillers (2004 film)
The Ladykillers is a 2004 dark comedy film directed, written and produced by the Coen brothers and stars Tom Hanks, with a supporting cast that includes J. K. Simmons, Marlon Wayans, Tzi Ma, Ryan Hurst and Irma P. Hall...
in 2004. In 2006, Weaver was featured in a supporting role in the film ATL
ATL (film)
ATL is a 2006 American drama film, and the feature film directorial debut of music video director Chris Robinson. The screenplay was written by Tina Gordon Chism from an original story by Antwone Fisher, and is loosely based on the experiences of the film's producers Dallas Austin and Tionne...
starring rappers T.I.
T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
and Big Boi
Big Boi
Antwan André Patton , better known by his stage name Big Boi, is an American rapper, song-writer, record producer and actor, best known for being a member of American hip hop duo OutKast alongside André 3000. His work in the duo has produced six studio albums. During the duo's hiatus, he and André...
from OutKast
OutKast
Outkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast...
. He also appears as an extra in the music video "Rock Yo Hips" by Crime Mob
Crime Mob
Crime Mob was a hip hop/crunk group consisting of six members, M.I.G., Cyco Black, Princess, Lil' Jay, Diamond, and Killa C....
featuring Lil Scrappy
Lil Scrappy
Darryl Kevin Richardson II , better known by his stage name Lil Scrappy, is an American rapper.Richards was discovered by producer and performer Lil Jon while performing at a bar, when a fight broke out during his set in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia...
and "Make Up Bag" by The-Dream
The-Dream
Terius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
featuring T.I.
T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
Music career
In addition to acting, Weaver is also a recording artist. He provided the vocals for the singing voice for the cub SimbaSimba
Simba is a lion character and the protagonist of Disney's most successful animated feature film, The Lion King. He is the son of Mufasa and Sarabi, nephew of Scar, mate of Nala, and father of Kiara. He has golden fur and when he grows into an adult, he has an auburn mane...
in the 1994 film The Lion King
The Lion King
The Lion King is a 1994 American animated film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 32nd feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series...
. The following year, he released his debut album, Love Ambition
Love Ambition
Love Ambition is the debut album by actor and singer by Jason Weaver. It was released on June 27, 1995 through the label Motown Records. The album contains the singles "Love Ambition ", and "I Can't Stand the Pain".-Track listing:...
, on Motown Records
Motown Records
Motown is a record label originally founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. and incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, United States, on April 14, 1960. The name, a portmanteau of motor and town, is also a nickname for Detroit...
which was released on June 27, 1995.
In 2003, he collaborated with rapper Chingy
Chingy
Howard Bailey, Jr. , better known by his stage name Chingy, is an American rapper.Chingy grew up in the Walnut Park section of St. Louis and began rapping in earnest in his late teens...
on the track "One Call Away
One Call Away
"One Call Away" is the third single released from Chingy's album Jackpot and features J-Weav. The song reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number twenty-six on the UK Singles Chart. The music video features an appearance by actress Keshia Knight Pulliam and professional AND1...
". The single was a Top 5 hit single in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Singles
- "Love Ambition (Call on Me)" (1995)
- "I Can't Stand the Pain" (1995)
- "Stay with Me" (1996)
- "Wish That I May" (1999)
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1990 | The Long Walk Home The Long Walk Home The Long Walk Home is a 1990 film starring Sissy Spacek and Whoopi Goldberg.-Origins:The feature film is based on a short screenplay of the same name, written by John Cork. While a student at USC, Cork submitted his script for consideration by the Cinema Department, hoping to also direct. While... |
Franklin Cotter | |
| 1994 | The Lion King The Lion King The Lion King is a 1994 American animated film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 32nd feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series... |
Young Simba | Cub singing voice |
| 2002 | Drumline Drumline (film) Drumline is a 2002 American film directed by Charles Stone III. The screenplay, which was inspired by The Southwest Dekalb High School Drumline , was written by Tina Gordon Chism and Shawn Schepps... |
Ernest | |
| 2004 | The Ladykillers The Ladykillers (2004 film) The Ladykillers is a 2004 dark comedy film directed, written and produced by the Coen brothers and stars Tom Hanks, with a supporting cast that includes J. K. Simmons, Marlon Wayans, Tzi Ma, Ryan Hurst and Irma P. Hall... |
Weemack Funthes | |
| 2006 | ATL ATL (film) ATL is a 2006 American drama film, and the feature film directorial debut of music video director Chris Robinson. The screenplay was written by Tina Gordon Chism from an original story by Antwone Fisher, and is loosely based on the experiences of the film's producers Dallas Austin and Tionne... |
Teddy | |
| 2008 | Jada Jada (film) Jada is a dramatic film released in 2008. It was directed by Clifton Powell.-Plot:A struggling widow named Jada goes through life in a tough urban neighborhood while taking care of her troubled son, Jamal , and daughter, Jasmine .-Plot summary:Jada is the story of a woman whose life becomes... |
Jamal | |
| Love For Sale | Vince | ||
| Diary of a Champion | TJ Lawson | ||
| 2010 | Lottery Ticket Lottery Ticket (film) For the common Lottery, see Lottery. For other uses, see Lottery .Lottery Ticket is a comedy film starring Bow Wow, Brandon T... |
Ray Ray | |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1990 | The Kid Who Loved Christmas | Ernie | Television movie |
| Brewster Place | Matthew Thomas | Unknown episodes | |
| 1992 | The Jacksons: An American Dream The Jacksons: An American Dream The Jacksons: An American Dream is a five-hour American miniseries broadcast in two halves on ABC and originally broadcast on November 15 through November 18, 1992... |
Michael Jackson (aged 9–14) | Miniseries |
| 1993–1994 | Thea Thea (TV series) Thea is an American sitcom that premiered September 3, 1993 on ABC, and last aired on February 14, 1994, for a total of 19 episodes. Starring comedienne Thea Vidale, the series marked the first time an African American female comedienne was the star of a series named after her.-Synopsis:Thea Vidale... |
Jerome Turrell | 19 episodes |
| 1994 | Summertime Switch | Fast Freddie Egan | Television movie |
| 1996 | Sister, Sister Sister, Sister (TV series) Sister, Sister is an American television sitcom about identical twin girls Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell , who were separated and adopted at birth, when one day they come face-to-face after 14 years apart.... |
Darnell Nicky |
2 episodes |
| 1997–1999 | Smart Guy Smart Guy Smart Guy is an American sitcom created by Danny Kallis. The series ran on The WB for three seasons from April 2, 1997 to May 16, 1999.-Premise:The show centers on the misadventures of boy genius T.J... |
Marcus Henderson | 51 episodes |
| 2000 | Freedom Song | Isaac Hawkins | Television movie |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Result | Category | Film or series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Young Artist Award Young Artist Award The Young Artist Award is an accolade bestowed by the Young Artist Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1978 to recognize and award excellence of youth performers, and to provide scholarships for young artists who may be physically and/or financially challenged.The Young Artist... |
Won | Outstanding Young Performers Starring in a Mini-Series | The Jacksons: An American Dream (Shared with Alex Burrall) |
| 1994 | Nominated | Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series | Thea (Shared with Brenden Jefferson Brenden Richard Jefferson Brenden Richard Jefferson is an American film and television actor and songwriter.-Life and career:Born in San Bernardino, California, Jefferson is an only child.... , Adam Jeffries Adam Jeffries Adam Berry Jeffries Adam Berry Jeffries Adam Berry Jeffries (born on November 3, 1976, is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Lester Freeman on the Fox sitcom True Colors, and as Jarvis Turrell, Jr. on the ABC sitcom Thea.-Career:... , Brandy Norwood Brandy (entertainer) Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu.... ) |
|
| 1995 | Won | Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Voiceover - TV or Movie | The Lion King |